Teacher promotions ‘intentionally delayed’
Around 20 teachers in colleges of Sindh retired, reportedly, without making it to the associate professor post. Fingers are being raised at the college education department for delaying promotions. The last batch of promotions in the grade 18 to grade 19 college cadre, which is from assistant professor to associate professor, was given in March 2019. Amid allegations of intentional delays, there is concern within the cadre that more teachers will retire in the next two months without getting promoted.
Demonstrations were held by the teachers earlier this month, and following the protests a summary regarding teachers’ promotions was forwarded but sources claim it has hit a snag in the Sindh services general department. It is pending submission in the office of the provincial chief secretary, who would then schedule a meeting of the Board II for promotions of assistant professor to associate professor, according to sources.
Sources accuse the provincial education department of delaying the promotion process so that teachers whose names were in the C seniority list retire.
According to sources privy to the development, the Sindh college education secretary refused to meet the teachers delegation when they attempted to raise the matter before him. But when they warned of protests, and a march towards the Chief Minister’s House, the provincial education minister took notice.
However, they maintain, there has been no progress on the matter despite 20 days since the notice was taken.
The Sindh education secretary did not respond when this correspondent reached out for comment.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 26th, 2020.